OCDSB special meeting on mask mandates descends into chaos, no decision made
Posted Nov 23, 2022 02:07:00 PM.
A four hour meeting to discuss a return to mandatory masking in local public schools descended into chaos, and ultimately, no decision was made.
Trustees with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) held a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, where newly-elected trustee Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth put forward a motion to implement a mask mandate.
Approximately 200 people attended the meeting, which was disrupted several times by hecklers in opposition of the proposal, with some chanting 'shame.'
Several medical experts were on hand and told the board they supported bringing back a mask mandate, including CHEO's chief of staff, Dr. Lindy Samson. However, board member Justine Bell had to call a recess while Dr. Samson was speaking to the issue, due to disruptions from the crowd.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) eventually had to be called in to clear the building and the meeting moved from in person to virtual.
In the end, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. with no decision made and no future date set for a vote.
Executive summary: A raucous crowd of anti-maskers yelled and disrupted our meeting repeatedly. Police were called twice. We had to adjourn because we ran out of time. To those who think that your disrespectful conduct is a “win,” #Ottawa children who get sick are your victims.
— Nili Kaplan-Myrth MD PhD (@nilikm) November 23, 2022
